Persistence pays off, happy ending to a very tough elk hunt.

[wedgy]

Well done !

 

[rebs]

6.5x47, crumpled in its bed, instantly. 140 grain Berger VLD hunter

what range was the shot?

 

[Rbrey381]

Congratulations on a great hunt and making memories with your family.

 

[thekriebles]

What a memorable experience you had there! I'm sure your wife was proud as well. Congrats and thanks for sharing!

 

[Steve h]

Great story! Great hunt with your daughter! Win, Win.

 

[nakneker]

what range was the shot?

Shorter than most archery shots, all she could see was the horns and forehead at 27 yards. The wind was blowing 15-20 mph which helped with sound, she’s pretty good at being quiet and moving slow in bedding areas. We could control our scent which was a big bonus, a lot of times in the afternoons the wind picks up and swirls in those deep draws. We had been busted multiple times earlier in the hunt, my wife got busted by a big bull, 360+ plus bull and wasn’t quick enough, we also had multiple elk run off before we saw them mostly due to switch winds. We had discussed the possibility of a weird shot earlier in the week and again at lunch knowing we were gonna try creeping in that area again. I’m pretty sure I glassed this bull the day before, we weren’t quick enough to set up for a shot on him and he fed into the cedars before we could get it done. Those ridges have cedars and buck brush on the south side, fir and pine on the north side, they like to bed on the north side and stay in the shade during the day. I've hunted that area since I was a boy with my Uncle and Grandpa, we know it well but it can still be a hard hunt.

The attached picture is her bull last year, small 280” bull. She was lucky and drew back to back tags. Last years hunt ended opening day one ridge away still hunting in the evening. I haven’t had an elk tag for 6-7 years but I put in for archery hunts and they are tough to draw because they are rut hunts and I’m trying to pull a quality unit. The hunt she had is late bull and we don’t get picky, it’s more of a meat hunt but there are some big bulls in the unit. I enjoy helping friends and family every year though, always good to be in the woods.

 

[NCIowan]

Congratulations on a memorable hunt. Wonderful family memories are a blessing.
Duane

 

[nakneker]

Congratulations on a memorable hunt. Wonderful family memories are a blessing.
Duane

Thanks Duane, couldn’t agree more!

 

[alf]

Big thumbs up for everyone!

 

[BobT]

Congrats on a great hunt!